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2019-2022, Cohort 4

Justice Heals: Human-Animal Interventions for Survivors of Sexual Assault

Home / Projects / Justice Heals: Human-Animal Interventions for Survivors of Sexual Assault

Project: Justice Heals

Justice Heals is an interdisciplinary team of a social worker, animal-assisted therapist, and veterinarian at Michigan State University.

Wicked Problem

U.S. campus statistics reflect a national crisis of sexual assault. One in five women and one in 16 men experience sexual violence during their college careers. Survivors of sexual crimes experience greater risks for depression, anxiety, substance abuse, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and suicide.

Approach

Our approach is to use a trauma-informed and one welfare approach to animal assisted therapy with shelter dogs. Animal Assisted Therapy (AAT) has been successfully incorporated into sexual trauma treatment with a reported decrease in associated symptoms. Working with shelter dogs in particular may lead to improved outcomes for humans, as trauma survivors may empathize with shelter dogs perceived historical trauma. Concurrently, the dogs may experience enrichment and stress reduction. Thus, creating a “One Welfare” experience, an additional therapeutic option, and a sense of community to foster a Culture of Health.

Impact

Our goal is to develop and implement a curriculum that is proven positive for both human and dog participants. We will share more information when the project completes at the end of 2022.

Justice Heals Poster Presentation

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Human-Animal Interventions for Survivors of Sexual Assault: A One Welfare Approach
Team Members
  • Megan Spedoske, LMSW
  • Tana Fedewa, LMSW
  • Marie Hopfensperger, BS, DVM

LocationEast Lansing, Michigan

Focus Areas
  • Behavioral and Mental Health
  • One Health
  • Violence & Trauma
Resources
  • Conquering Canine Anxiety During Vet Visits
  • One Health Day 2020
  • MSU Sexual Assault Healthcare Program Opens

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Photos © 2016 Flynn Larsen, Courtesy of the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation